A true Brahmin, the Boston Terrier can trace its roots back to 1865 in Boston, MA. The Boston Terrier of that time was very different than the one we know today. He was originally a cross between a Bulldog and an English Terrier and weighed around 35 pounds instead of the smaller variety today. The modern Boston Terrier was actually created by the employees of the wealthy at that time. They would “borrow” their employers’ Boston Terriers and breed them with other dogs to create a good, smallish fighting dog. Unfortunately, Boston Terriers were seen in the dog fight ring for quite awhile but their devotion to their master and his family stood out and they became companion dogs. The French Bulldog started out as the Toy Bulldog which was brought from England to France during the Industrial Revolution. The French created such characteristics as their bat-like ears and they were adored in royal courts. They are basically a bull-and-terrier breed.

These breeds share many physical characteristics in common including size, build, and bulging eyes. They also share many similar personality traits. Both the BT and the Frenchie are very sweet dogs who love to play and act like a clown. But, both are also at risk for developing Small Dog Syndrome which is a condition where the small dog believes himself to be Alpha because of the owner’s overpampering and child-like treatment. These dogs can be stubborn so early training and establishing yourself as Alpha are imperative. It may seem contradictory to his past but the Boston Terrier is rarely dog aggressive. The French Bulldog, however, is dog aggressive more often so early socialization is important. Neither of these breeds are barkers so you can rely on having a quiet household but not on having a guard dog. The BT tends to need more exercise than the Frenchie who would rather hang out and see what you’re cooking. Both breeds are very people-oriented and a bored Boston Terrier or a lonely Frenchie is liable to be destructive.

The Boston Terrier has been a popular dog since the early 1900s. You’ll see many pictures from that time with children and their Boston Terrier, showing how quickly the breed integrated into family life instead of the ring. The BT was so popular in the 1920s that it made up 30% of entries into dog shows. In 1922, Boston University made the Boston Terrier their mascot and he still proudly represents them today. French Bulldogs were also popular between 1910 and 1915, being in the top five popular breeds in the U.S. Their popularity has emerged again since 1990 because they are such good dogs for apartment living and are excellent all around family dogs.

The Frenchie has several nicknames including “The Clown” and “Frog Dog.” He truly is a clown, often hamming it up for a laugh and some attention. “Frog Dog” comes from the way he look when he lies on his back and his legs sprawl out on either side. This breed is bound to amuse you and cheer you up on a gloomy day. The Boston Terrier was, and is, often called “The American Gentleman.” This name comes from his innate good manners with adults and children and his quiet demeanor. Owning a BT is like having a good butler. Both breeds are a joy for families as long as they’re trained and know their place in the pack.